Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Reviewed by Nané K.
Grade 10

“If fate is a bunch of strings, then I’ll carry scissors.” 

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim, is an Asian retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Wild Swans, in which a princess has to save her 11 brothers from a curse cast by an evil queen. I was drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover, and it did not disappoint. The author manages to weave together elements of Asian mythology and the original fairytale into a stunning magical world that I was totally immersed in as I read.

Six Crimson Cranes’s basic premise does not stray too far from its inspiration. It follows the main character, Shiori--a princess with 6 brothers in the nation of Kiata, where magic is forbidden--and her secret, magic paper bird, Kiki, after Shiori runs away from meeting her betrothed. As she runs away, she falls into a lake near her palace, but a sea dragon saves her from drowning, and ends up teaching her how to control her magic.

However, Shiori’s life only becomes more complicated when she discovers her stepmother, Raikama, is also a magic user, and ends up being a witness when her stepmother places a curse upon her 6 brothers and Shiori herself. The curse turns her brothers into cranes at night, and forbids Shiori from speaking, or else one brother will die each time she speaks. They are also unable to be recognized as the princes and princess of Kiata. The bulk of the book is spent with Shiori as she finds herself transported into another part of Kiata and works endlessly to find her brothers and break the curse.

The characters are a strong point of this book, all being quite endearing. From the snappy sea dragon Seryu, to the other love interest, Takkan, all of the main cast were memorable and felt well thought out. Even the villain, Raikama, was complex and had a rich backstory, which was intriguing to see unfold. The characters’ personalities and attitudes helped to reveal the intricacies of the world building of Six Crimson Cranes, which was another aspect I enjoyed. 

What I enjoyed the most about this book, however, was its plot; the author did a great job in crafting this captivating read. The turn of events never felt contrived or packed, the story moved at a good pace and kept the reader interested. Specifically, I liked the climb back to the top that the main character went through. It truly felt like I was there working with Shiori to break the curse—I could feel her struggles through the page.

I would absolutely recommend Six Crimson Cranes because I think its themes of fate and family are something that everyone can appreciate. Fans of fantasy especially will love this book and its deep magical world.

Kaiju No. 8 vol. 1 by Naoya Matsumoto

Reviewed by Makenna J.
Grade: 9

Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 is an exciting action manga that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat along with some pleasantly surprising comedy! The first volume grabbed my attention right away and I wanted to find the second volume immediately after I finished it. The characters are written very well and I immediately became attached to them. The reader is able to relate to them right off the bat and I really want to know more about them; I’m very interested in their backgrounds and motivation. Along with compelling characters, the story itself is intriguing as well. Someone could argue that the plot follows a very common formula, but I found it very unique and fascinating!

 Thirty-two-year-old Kafka Hibino wants to clean up kaiju, monsters that threaten the citizens’ lives in Japan, ever since he was little. But somehow, he ended up literally cleaning them up! The Defense Force kills them while he’s stuck cleaning up the dead kaiju on the streets. He gave up on his dream of being a part of the Defense Force alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, a long time ago because he could never pass the entrance exam. Then one day, Reno Ichikawa, a kid who wants to join the Defense Force, joins Kafka’s cleanup team and sparks his dream of killing kaiju alongside Mina again. But suddenly, while they’re working, a kaiju attacks them and puts them both in the hospital. While they’re recovering, Kafka transforms into a kaiju! On the run and with the help of Ichikawa, Kafka takes the entrance exam one last time to be a part of the Defense Force with Mina as his motivation.

 Some plot points in this manga are a little too . . . convenient. Kafka can switch between being a kaiju and a human, but the author never really explains why or how. Although, I don’t mind it too much because I know the author will explain it in later volumes. I really appreciate the refreshing plot of Kafka not being the best out of everyone taking the exam and only having one last chance to fulfill his dream before he’s too old. There was a surprising amount of comedy in this manga, mainly coming from Kafka and Ichikawa’s friendship, and I really enjoyed it. Volume one left on a cliffhanger which made me really want to continue reading! Naoya Matsumoto not only wrote, but also illustrated an amazing series with deep characters, an intriguing plot, and stunning artwork which I find to be very impressive!

I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who’s a fan of action and comedy. I loved volume one, and I’m sure many other people will as well! I’m looking forward to reading more of Naoya Mastumoto’s works!

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Reviewed by Hope M.
Grade 11

The Knife of Letting Go takes place on the planet New World, which became inhabited by human settlers twenty-three years before the start of the novel. Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, where he was taught that the native creatures of New World, the Spackle, released a disease onto the colonizers. This germ, called Noise, causes every individual to hear everybody else’s thoughts in words, pictures, colors, and sounds. Additionally, according to those in Prentisstown, all the women were killed by the illness. However, as Todd is nearing the day he finally becomes a man, he discovers a break from the relentless sounds. Upon finding this, the men who have taken care of Todd since his mother’s death tell Todd he must escape Prentisstown. When Todd realizes the source of the silence is a girl named Viola, he embarks on a long journey with many unanswered questions. Along the way, he finds that Prentisstown has an evil, twisted history, and somehow he is supposed to play a role in the town’s villainous plot.

I thought it was a fairly good book. The plot was definitely interesting, despite being predictable at some parts. The protagonists, Todd and Viola, were well-developed characters, and their dilemmas allow the reader to root for and empathize with them. As for the author’s style of writing, I think he overused certain writing techniques. While I’m sure he did so to emphasize moments of conflict, I personally felt his use of run-on sentences was excessive, distracting me from what was occurring in the story.

Regardless, I still enjoyed the book. Patrick Ness portrays a lesson of remembering who you are even when you’re surrounded by chaos, and I think that’s an important message. While there were aspects of the writing that I didn’t like, it’s certainly still good enough that I want to proceed with the series. For these reasons, I would recommend The Knife of Letting Go to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels with plenty of action and suspense. 

WIN A FREE COPY OF CHAOS WALKING: THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO! 
Stop by the Winter Park Library in the Teen Area, and fill out an entry form for your chance to win. CHAOS WALKING, starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, is currently in theaters!

Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis

Reviewed by Hope M.
Grade 11

As I was considering what new book I should read, Be Not Far From Me grabbed my attention. I skimmed through the plot summary on the inside cover of the book and thought it might be an interesting story. However, upon reading the first few pages, I realized this was not going to be a page-turner. In comparison to the summary, the actual story was dull, illogical, and to be honest, uneventful.

The tale centers on Ashley Hawkins, a poor teenager who has a love for running and aspires to develop a future with that passion. She also appears to be deeply knowledgeable of nature. The story begins with a hike that Ashley, her friends, and her boyfriend take in the Smoky Mountains, just out for a night of drinking and partying. However, when Ashley finds her boyfriend cheating on her, she races off randomly into the darkness. Only when she plummets into a ravine does she stop her mad dash. The rest of the book is her attempt to escape the forest with a gruesome injury on her leg. Ashley must put her survival skills to the test, and when her own mentor didn’t make it out alive, what chance does she possibly have?

Although the plot sounds exciting at first glance, I found the novel to be quite boring. Because Ashley was by herself for roughly 95% of the story, there wasn’t as much dialogue as I prefer in books. Additionally, it never felt like there was a climax. Even though different circumstances arose, the tone felt the same the entire time I was reading, giving the story a very uneventful vibe. The fact that Ashley, who is apparently gifted in the ways of nature and KNEW the dangers of leaving the trail, couldn’t remember how foolish it would be to do just that is pretty far-fetched. I understand that being cheated on is a traumatic experience, but it still didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.

I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone unless you enjoy reading something that's almost all description with little social interaction. As I mentioned previously, the novel was really a “straight line” in terms of excitement. While I think a good lesson was provided at the end, I would tell anyone who is considering this book to leave it on the shelf. Once you’ve read the plot summary, you’ve read the whole book.

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 12

Kate Thompson arrived home one evening to find her home burnt to the ground, her every possession destroyed, and her father hanging in the front lawn, a bloody rose carved into his forehead. The villainous Rose Riders killed him for a single book, a journal Kate finds is her only clue to the circumstances behind her pa’s murder, holding old secrets and whispers of gold.

Fueled only by the desire for revenge, Kate tracks the Rose Riders down under disguise, slaughtering them one by one with her inherited pistol, but her hatred has blinded her caution; a quick way to die on the brutal Western plains. Reluctantly enlisting the aid of some old family friends, Kate and company set off to end the Rider’s reign of terror, avoiding devious traps, savage Indians, and struggling to outwit the crafty gang. As the group becomes a family, Kate begins to question her motives; How far can this vengeance road take her?
I picked this book up as part of the Winter Park Public Library’s ‘Pitch Perfect’ collection, in which a book is assigned a theme song that sums up the overall plot. The cooperative song was Imagine Dragon’s anthem hit “Demons”, a piece that elegantly sums up the inner turmoil inside our heroine, as she finds her heart shifted by the handsome ranch hand whose help she so hesitatingly accepted.

The book itself is extremely well written, and the Western frontier has never felt more gritty, hard, and alive. While many of the stories elements may seem predictable to those familiar with the traditional Western novel (a rowdy barfight, or an Indian ambush), the plot remains elusive, and the final twist was refreshingly intriguing.

As a Young Adult book, and due to its theme of bloody murder and justice, Vengeance Road is recommended to more mature teens over 13. Fans of western dramas, renegade heroes, Westworld, or cowboy shootouts will particularly enjoy this in-your-face justice run.

Taggerung by Brian Jacques

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

Stolen away from his true family at Redwall Abbey as a babe by the vermin Juskarath clan, otter Deyna has grown up amongst villains his entire life, groomed and trained since his kidnapping to become the legendary Taggerung; the future leader and greatest fighter in the clan. Vermin life has been simple among the Juskarath, but when Tagg cannot kill another clan member, he leaves to discover his true heritage and become the noble warrior he wishes to be. Torn between his fake vermin father and the kindred calling him through visions, Tagg sets off to discover his origins, meeting and aiding creatures he comes across, but his peaceful travels are dampened by an elite vermin band determined to eliminate him. Joined by harvest mouse and chronic liar Nimbalo the Slayer, the two set out for the gates of Redwall and Tagg’s remaining family for one last battle against his past.

Taggerung is a story of anthropomorphic animals and warriors, set in an old English setting of peaceful villages, grand battles and dangerous, wild heroes; an important notation to any reader unfamiliar with the works of Brian Jacques. With that said, Taggerung is a grand epic of one hero who knew he was more than his villainous given identity and risked everything to prove it. The plot unfolds steadily, almost tediously, yet is more than satisfactorily rewarding to the patient reader.

This is a book for the patient, coming in at just over 300 pages, as well as for animal-lovers, fans of wolf-fiction, older English writing, classic hero-villain warrior tales, medieval settings, furs, and the odd therian. Recommended to those over 13, though the story was originally crafted by Jacques for even younger readers; you may choose at your discretion.

The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

In 1798, a pair of inventors arrived in New York with a dream to shape a city of skyscrapers, machines, and the most extraordinary technology imaginable. They were the Morningstarr twins; a brother-sister duo who crafted incredible designs for solar-powered street cleaners, zig-zagging elevators, and one impossible cipher leading to treasure untold. Three hundred years later, the cipher is ever a mystery, and another pair of twins in present-day York seek answers in the creations the Morningstarrs left behind. BHut the Cipher is much more than a mystery—it’s as alive as the city itself.

Eccentric twins Tess and Theo Biedermann face a difficult reality; real estate developer Darnell Slant is buying up old Morningstarr buildings—including their apartment complex. Banding together with neighbor and graphic artist Jaime Cruz, the three set off to unlock the secrets of the famed Old York Cipher, nowadays a mere myth for tourists. Following the few clues the Morningstarrs left behind, the trio will have to move fast to solve the mystery before their building is sold, but the Cipher has its own agenda.

The first book in the York series, is a dazzling story of the steampunk city we never knew we needed, interlaced with a clue hunt to rival The 39 Clues. Written with vivid descriptions of shining streets and machinery for every possible task, it’s hard to say which is more intriguing; the Cipher or the city itself. As for our heroes, Tess and Theo are quirkily loveable protagonists in their brilliant youth and drive to solve a puzzle that has evaded understanding for centuries.

The Shadow Cipher is a brilliant steampunk mystery that shines in its depiction of a beloved city reimagined in the most eccentrically fantastic way, and the secret that lives inside it. Easily recommended to all 10-and-up fans of steampunk, mystery, brilliant clue hunts and mechanical marvels. Ten and up rating based off approximate reading-comprehension skills; York, much like its namesake, is no small feat to comprehend.

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

There was no warning the day Area X formed. In seconds, an entire coast, village, ships, and aircraft vanished behind an invisible barrier, miles in size. And then there was the door. For thirty years the Southern Reach has sent expedition after expedition through the border in an attempt to understand the nature of the area and each time has been bested as the expeditioners slowly lost all sanity; or at least, the ones who returned.The latest of these exploits, the members of the Twelfth Expedition must face a world like no other—where life is twisted, reality misshaped, and Area X rules unchallenged.

After her husband returns near-comatose from the Eleventh Expedition, a biologist decides to face Area X herself, joining an anthropologist, surveyor, and a psychologist in the hypnotic uncertainty of the Twelfth expedition. Antisocial by nature, the biologist finds herself at home in the wilds of Area X and all its strange beauty, and the group remains mentally at peace. Then they found the Tower. Like nothing the group has ever seen before, the Tower is more than a strange natural architecture. It is Alive.

Her team tearing themselves apart, and infected with a Brightness that threatens to expand her life till it shatters, the biologist must uncover the truth about her husband’s fate and outsmart the enrapturing beings of Area X.

Just like the mysterious Tower, this book is enrapturing in its vivid description of a truly untamable wild and the mesmerizing beings that inhabit it. More in tune with nature than her fellow expeditioners, the biologist is the perfect protagonist to best the hypnotic scenery and discover the disturbing truths surrounding Area X. The plot unfolds slowly, lulling the reader in with snips of dangerous beauty, a sickly-honey promise of secrets both frightful and fascinating—bringing ten questions to every answer. The thrills take their time, but no doubt; Vandermeer’s work is one of the most intriguing and suspenseful sci-fi thrillers I have come across.

Annihilation is not recommended to anyone in the lower teens given the intense themes of drama and ruptured consciousness, as well as a small amount of strong language. For those with the sufficient mental development to comprehend the novel, readers should be aware of the semi-frightening nature of this book as it explores a wilderness that fights back, and of its classification in the sci-fi and mild horror genres. Recommended to fans of Stephen King, the Jurassic Park novels, and any thriller novels.

Randoms by David Liss

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

There is absolutely nothing special about Ezekiel Reynolds. Stumbling through middle school life with a sick mother and a deceased sci-fi-obsessed father, Zeke has enough to worry about before he is forcibly inducted into the greatest foreign exchange program in human history—alien contact. Four juvenile delegates from Earth have been chosen to represent their world’s candidacy in an intergalactic coalition: The Confederation of United Planets.

To best represent the diversity of the planet, three representatives are handpicked prodigies while one is indiscriminately selected from the billions—a Random.
Along with two other representing worlds, the Earthen delegates must prove their civilization through the gaining of skill points; a measuring system for an individual’s contributions to society. Success will grant Earth invaluable technology, knowledge, and resources as well as upgrades to the body-enhancing nanites all delegates receive; failure, the rejection of the world from consideration. Deemed unnecessary by his peers, Zeke quickly teams up with attractive, tech-savvy feline Tamret and carjacker reptilian Steve to rack up skill points, armed only with his considerable sci-fi knowledge and his hacked nanites. But when an accidental dispute with the Confederation’s longtime aggressor flares tensions, the Randoms find themselves in the center of a political conspiracy that runs deeper than anything they could have ever imagined.

I found the character of Zeke to be refreshingly human in his struggles to fit in with his diverse peers. Even with so many other interesting beings integrated in the story, Zeke still manages to shine through as a lovable and engaging protagonist in his quest for the galaxy and his friends.

No doubt about it, Randoms is one for the nerds, with several Star Wars, Star Trek, and Firefly references only true fans will recognize. Science-fiction lovers will find themselves quickly caught up in the vast network of the Confederation and the logic behind the gadgetry.

Unpredictable and enticing, readers will find themselves drawn in until the thrilling conclusion. Recommended for ages 12 and up, fans of science-fiction, and action-adventure.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

For centuries, the fairy People have hidden undisturbed from the perils of humanity--that is, until one criminal mastermind dares to con them of their wealth. The catch? He’s only 12.

Artemis Fowl is many things; a criminal, a millionaire, and a child prodigy, but he is no fool. So, when he attempts the impossible, cheating a fairy of their gold, he is well prepared for anything the People have to counter--until they change the rules. Artemis Fowl delivers superbly, from the brilliant mind games and ploys, to the compelling, diverse nature of the players, and the vast magnitude of the hidden Fairy world, one which is both believable and imaginative. Fowl serves as an enticing, yet diabolical character; one will easily empathize with the boyish sentiments behind the calculating genius. Supporting characters Butler and Juliet shine in their immense trust of their young charge, and the charismatic presence of Commander Root will be sure to bring a smile. The brightest player, though, is undoubtedly the spunky Holly Short, whose street smarts and gut instincts provide a perfect contrast to the scheming mind of the young master Fowl.

In short, Artemis Fowl is recommended to young readers over the age of 11-12, fans of detective dramas, heist stories, fantasy adventure, and anyone intrigued by the summary.
Language count is at a minimum, and hardly a problem excepting the concerned parent; at least one count of ‘damn’, ‘dammit’ , and ‘hell’ each; a fairy fill-in cuss word “D’Arvit’ is quoted at times.

Drugs/Alcohol; A fairy drinks whiskey, another has a habit of smoking. Sleeping pills are taken with champagne in a scene, but is a minor part of a scene, the major emphasis is elsewhere. Truth serum is spoken of/administered. Dock workers illegally roll cigarettes in a brief scene. In all honesty, book content should be treated separately than film content, and all of the above, including language mentioned are small turns of phrase, such as ‘he lit a cigar’ and easily overlooked in the grand story.

Violence: Nothing above a PG-13 equivalent rating. A character is nearly mauled to death, with graphic language at a medium.

Adult Content; None.

Spiritual/Religious themes: Magic is naturally a major part of the story, but is treated more as a currently inexplicable science, and seen as a natural ability of the fairy kind. Fairies all possess a Book that holds their laws and could be seen as a ‘fairy bible’. Fairies also have a limited amount of magic that is refilled through ‘The Ritual’ which involves a brief chant and superstitious tie-ins; while a critical portion of the story, superstitions and religion are not present.

Concepts to discuss; The character development and morality of Artemis Fowl and his decisions serve as excellent discussion material for children and teens alike to consider.

For the Teen readers; Childish and toilet-level humor are present in small doses to appeal to a younger audience, particularly showcased in the magical abilities of one character, but it is kept minimal.

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: A History of Glitter and Blood by Hannah Moskowitz

A History of Glitter and Blood
Sixteen-year-old Beckan and her friends are the only fairies brave enough to stay in Ferrum when war breaks out. Now there is tension between the immortal fairies, the subterranean gnomes, and the mysterious tightropers who arrived to liberate the fairies.

But when Beckan's clan is forced to venture into the gnome underworld to survive, they find themselves tentatively forming unlikely friendships and making sacrifices they couldn't have imagined. As danger mounts, Beckan finds herself caught between her loyalty to her friends, her desire for peace, and a love she never expected.

Spoiler Alert reviewer: Savannah

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 4
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 4

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 4
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 4

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 3
How memorable was this book? 4
How did you feel about the ending? 3
If you did not finish, how did you feel about the beginning? finished it
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
Rank the cover (only if the final cover version has been released).
How well does the cover match the story? 4
Rank the jacket blurb. 3
Rank the title. 3
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Unique

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: First few chapters confusing; no character development until later

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Fast paced, original, different, fantasy, adventure

The Death Cure by James Dashner

Reviewed by Carter F.
Grade 6

Freedom -- that is all Thomas has wanted since the beginning of The Maze Runner series by James Dashner. But when he finally has an opportunity in the third and final novel, The Death Cure, will he take it?

After escaping WICKED headquarters, Thomas and the others flee to the nearby city of Denver. As the group settles in, a suspicious letter arrives inviting the teenagers to join a mysterious group. To everyone's surprise, it is led by someone who was thought to be dead and is planning an uprising against WICKED. The problem is that this government agency is out to capture Thomas, so he must avoid the officials while trying to fight them.

The author did a phenomenal job in creating a dystopian future. His elaborate details make the reader think that such a society could realistically exist. I especially enjoyed Dashner's description of the Bergs, which are the massive airships that are used by the members of WICKED. They sound like futuristic helicopters that could hold a lot more people than our current helicopters.

Like the two previous books in the series, The Death Cure is very suspenseful. Dashner keeps readers turning the pages when he unexpectedly sends Thomas back into the maze. I couldn't believe it! How in the world could this end well?

Followed by prequel The Kill Order

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

Reviewed by Jake L.
Grade 8

Wahoo and his father Mickey are animal wranglers who have a hard enough time keeping each other from getting hurt and putting foot on the table. When a job opportunity with a reality TV show goes South, they have to fight to get out of the Everglades alive.

Wahoo and his father accept an offer to work on a reality TV adventure show, but it is not what they expected. The TV star Derek is a complete fake. When an angry father going after his daughter gets involved, the job Wahoo, Mickey, and Tuna (Wahoo's friend) accepted for some easy money turns into a life or death situation.

Carl' Hiaasen's plot in Chomp is absolutely gripping. The reader never can guess what's going to happen next. The setting is also great.

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who lives in Florida. The author's style is flawless. Every word is carefully chosen and every sentence perfectly executed. Another great one by Carl Hiaasen.

Uncaged by John Sandford & Michele Cook

Reviewed by Jake L.
Grade 8

16-year-old Shay Remby really loves her brother, so much so that she leaves the guaranteed safety of her foster home to go help her slightly autistic brother, Odin, in the mean streets of Los Angeles. The only problem is her brother is a felon, and if she doesn't find him soon he may be dead.

Shay's brother got involved with a radical environmental group that performed a raid on a scientific research facility that was performing experiments on monkeys and other living animals. The radicals thwarted the facilities' experiments by letting the animals out of cages, took video, and stole encrypted hard drives. The group of felons then fled to L.A. Shay follows them hoping to help her brother. It turns out she does more than that with some unlikely partners.

I thought the plot was outstanding. The authors wrote with a clearly thought out plan with many twists and turns. While reading this book you will never know what comes next because of the great plot.

I would recommend Uncaged to anyone because of the plot and the theme. However, this book is a little hard to understand at times, but strong readers shouldn't have a problem.

Kitty Hawk by Roland Smith

Reviewed by Jake L.
Grade 8

Angela and Q are back again. They are with Boone and his team tracking down the cell on a highly dangerous mission, leading to hopefully the final showdown with the cell.

Q and Angela go with Boone to Kitty Hawk after tracking the cell through the Carolina area. Meanwhile, they learn some interesting things about Boone and his dog, Croc. Malak is with them as well, but will she survive?

I though the setting in this book was better than the setting in the last book in this series, The White House. You will feel as if you are a member of the team. The author allows you to be there with the kids using the setting.

I thought this book was outstanding because of the author's style. He leaves enough to the unknown so that your eyes are glued to the pages. When the final showdown comes, you will probably need a shower from sweating so much, because of the way Smith develops the plot.

The White House by Roland Smith

Reviewed by Jake L.
Grade 8

Angela and Q are back. Their parents’ tour is now taking them to Washington DC, and an unexpected stay in the White House. What could go wrong in the most secure building in the world? Ironically, everything.

Angela and Q race through the streets of DC and the White House trying to figure out who is good and bad. Meanwhile, they are trying to figure out more about the mysterious roadie, Boone. They also meet the President and his two children.

I think the plot was very well developed throughout the story. The author keeps you engaged with the conflict. The setting in this book was ok. In some parts of the book it was a little hard to understand, but the quality of the story makes up for it.

The White House was a good book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure books. The author keeps your eyes glued to the page. When physical conflict erupts you will not dare take your eyes of the page.

sequel to Independence Hall

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (release date April 28, 2015)

Laia is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution

Spoiler Alert reviewer: Kyra

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 5
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 4

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
If you did not finish, how did you feel about the beginning?
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
Rank the cover (only if the final cover version has been released). 5
How well does the cover match the story? 5
Rank the jacket blurb. 3
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Jaw-dropping

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Nothing

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Sadness, Love, Sacrifice, Promises, Wow!

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Reviewed by Carter F.
Grade 6

You'd think escaping the life-threatening maze in the first book would mean that the danger is over. You'd be wrong. In The Scorch Trials, Thomas wakes on the first day of his freedom to dreadful news--one of his friends, Teresa has gone missing. And, what's even worse, his group of friends, otherwise known as test subjects, are being examined again. Phase Two will take place in the Scorch. This desert-like location has been damaged severely by solar flares. Just like the first time, the companions are on their own. They must trek across the Scorch in order to get to the safe heaven within two weeks. If not, they're goners. To their surprise, Teresa, the only girl from their group, has been assigned to another group of test subjects competing to get to the desired destination. What really matters, though, is whether the teams can make it out alive.

Thomas and Teresa, the main characters, are relatable because they express emotions that anyone in their improbable situation would be feeling. Although they cannot believe they are being forced into another life-threatening challenge, their will to survive overrides their fear. Thomas must rely on other people that he would not trust outside of the Scorch. I think most readers understand the compromises Thomas must make to get out alive.

The Scorch Trials is a book that readers who enjoy science fiction will not want to stop reading until they have finished. If you enjoyed The Maze Runner, you will love The Scorch Trials because it is equally as suspenseful. Author James Dashner keeps readers interested in the story with surprises in the plot and the developing relationship between Thomas and Teresa. Will the pair remain just friends -- or become something more?

Independence Hall by Roland Smith

Reviewed by Jake L.
Grade 8

Q and his mysterious new stepsister, Angela are leaving from San Francisco to tour with their mom and dad, who are the popular music group, Blaze and Roger. Things get very interesting when Angela's birth mother's past comes to haunt them.
Q, Angela, and a weird roadie travel across America with international spies close on their tail. Meanwhile they have to stop their parents from noticing anything funny and cancel the tour. They have to give these spies the slip soon or else.

This book has a thrilling conflict. Roland Smith keeps you turning the pages with anticipation. Every confrontation with the spies is narrated flawlessly.

I would recommend Independence Hall to anyone who enjoys adventure books. The author does a great job developing the plot and describing the setting: two key elements of a good read. It is a great book.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Reviewed by Carter F.
Grade 6

After a while, your imagination plays tricks on you. You think you know which direction is the way out, but do you really? Being stuck in a maze, where everything looks the same for weeks, messes with your mind. This is the predicament in which Thomas finds himself in The Maze Runner.

It begins when Thomas awakens in the lift, and he can only remember his own name. Suddenly, the lift begins to move. When it opens, he is welcomed by a group of boys (Gladers) that aren't too surprised to see him. As the weeks pass and Thomas adjusts to the Glade, he learns that the only way out is through the maze. Everyone is shocked when a girl, the first one ever, arrives in the lift. She delivers a terrifying message that helps one member of the group solve the maze. But the question is whether they can survive the solution.

This book's suspenseful plot, entertaining characters and vivid setting paint an interesting, yet horrifying story in a futuristic world. Imagine being stuck in between walls so high that you know no one can see you or the way out. It's up to you to make the correct choices so you will survive. No pressure, right? There are many twists and turns the reader will not expect. From start to finish, the action never dies down.

I would recommend The Maze Runner to readers who enjoy science fiction books. The author creates a world inside the maze that is entirely believable, even though we know such a place is really just a metaphor for segments of our society who believe they are oppressed. This plot is a familiar one for young readers because it also plays out in The Hunger Games trilogy and the Divergent series. Readers who like those books will like The Maze Runner.